Winter Skincare Routine: How to Adjust Your Skin Care for Southern California Winters

Carlsbad does not get snow, but our skin still notices winter. Nights are cooler, indoor heating comes on, and dry Santa Ana winds can drop the humidity sharply for days at a time. Skin that felt fine in August can turn tight, flaky and easily irritated by December. Meanwhile, the Southern California sun keeps shining, so sun protection still matters.

A good winter routine is mostly about doing less to your skin and protecting it more: gentler cleansing, less exfoliation, richer moisturizer and daily sunscreen. Here is how to adjust each step.

Why skin gets drier in winter

The outer layer of your skin holds water in with a barrier of fats such as ceramides. Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating dries it further, so water evaporates from your skin faster. Long hot showers, foaming cleansers and frequent exfoliation strip the barrier at the same time. The result is tightness, flaking, redness and stinging when you apply products that felt fine in summer. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea often flare too.

Your winter skincare routine

1. Cleanse gently

Swap foaming or gel cleansers for a gentle, fragrance-free cream or lotion cleanser, and use lukewarm water. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests keeping showers and baths to 5 to 10 minutes in warm water and patting, not rubbing, your skin dry. Many people with dry skin only need water in the morning.

2. Exfoliate less

Dry, flaky skin tempts you to scrub, but scrubbing damages an already weak barrier. In winter, cut back to once a week or less, choose a mild chemical exfoliant such as lactic acid rather than a gritty scrub, and stop if your skin stings. Skip exfoliating altogether on any patch that is red or raw. Dry brushing is popular, but there is little evidence for claims that it drains the lymphatic system, and it should not be used on the face.

3. Add hydrating serums on damp skin

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants: they draw water into the top layer of the skin. They work best on damp skin with a moisturizer on top to keep that water in. Without a moisturizer over them, humectants can leave skin feeling tighter in dry air. A vitamin C serum in the morning adds antioxidant protection; our guide to vitamin C for skin explains how to choose one.

4. Use a richer moisturizer

Creams and ointments hold moisture better than lotions. Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of washing, while your skin is still damp, and again whenever it feels dry. Ingredients the American Academy of Dermatology recommends for dry skin include ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, lactic acid, jojoba oil, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum and shea butter. Choose fragrance-free products; “unscented” products can still contain masking fragrance. If you are acne-prone, look for “non-comedogenic” on the label and use a richer cream only on dry areas.

5. Wear sunscreen every day

Winter sun in Southern California is weaker than summer sun but still strong enough to cause damage. UVA rays, which age the skin and contribute to skin cancer, are present all year, pass through clouds and window glass, and are the reason you can get sun damage while driving. Use a broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on your face, neck, chest and the backs of your hands every morning. Reapply every two hours when outdoors and after swimming or sweating. A moisturizing sunscreen or a moisturizer worn underneath helps on dry days. See our guide to sunscreen ingredients if you are choosing a new one.

6. Adjust your retinoid, do not abandon it

Retinol and prescription retinoids are the best-studied ingredients for lines and acne, but they can dry and irritate skin, especially in winter. Use yours on fewer nights, apply it after moisturizer to buffer it, or switch to a gentler strength until your skin settles. If you use a prescription retinoid for acne, ask your provider before stopping it. Read more about choosing a retinol cream.

Swap your products for the season

Step	Summer	Winter
Cleanser	Gel or foaming, if oily	Cream or lotion, fragrance-free
Exfoliation	Up to 2 to 3 times a week if skin tolerates it	Once a week or less, gentle acids only
Moisturizer	Light gel or lotion	Cream; ointment on very dry spots
Retinoid	Usual schedule	Fewer nights, buffered with moisturizer
Sunscreen	SPF 30+, water-resistant	SPF 30+, moisturizing formula

Beyond your face: body, hands and lips

• Body: apply a thick cream or ointment to damp skin straight after showering.
• Hands: carry a hand cream and reapply after each wash; wear gloves for dishes and on cold mornings.
• Lips: use petroleum jelly or a fragrance-free balm, with SPF in the daytime, and avoid licking them.
• Clothing: wear cotton or silk under wool, and use a fragrance-free laundry detergent if your skin itches.

Should you use a humidifier?

A humidifier in the bedroom can help if your indoor air is dry, especially when the heating is on. The Environmental Protection Agency advises keeping indoor humidity at or below 50%, since higher levels encourage mold and dust mites. Change the water in a portable humidifier daily, clean it every third day, and use distilled or low-mineral water. Warm-mist (steam) models release fewer minerals and microbes but can burn, so keep them away from children.

Winter treatments at Glow Theory

Winter is a good season for treatments that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, because you spend less time outdoors. Options include:

• HydraFacial: cleanses, exfoliates gently and infuses hydrating serums with no downtime. From $200, or $170 for members.
• Chemical peels and laser resurfacing for sun damage, uneven tone and texture, ideally before spring.
• Prescription skincare for acne, pigment and aging when over-the-counter products are not enough.

If your skin stays dry, itchy or cracked despite these steps, it may be eczema, psoriasis or another condition that needs treatment. Our guide to winter psoriasis covers flares, or book a visit at our South Carlsbad studio on El Camino Real.